King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 22:5 Mean?

2 Kings 22:5 in the King James Version says “And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and le...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,”

2 Kings 22:5 · KJV

Context

3

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

4

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people: door: Heb. threshold

5

And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,

6

Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

7

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

Read 2 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 22: Rediscovery of God's word brings renewal. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 22 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Josiah's Reform Begins) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 22 regarding rediscovery of god's word brings renewal?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְיִתְּנ֣וּ1 of 18

“And let them deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל2 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יַד֙3 of 18

“it into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְעֹשֵׂ֤י4 of 18

“it to the doers”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמְּלָאכָה֙5 of 18

“of the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

הַמֻּפְקָדִ֖ים6 of 18

“that have the oversight”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

הַבָּֽיִת׃7 of 18

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְיִתְּנ֣וּ9 of 18

“And let them deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹת֗וֹ10 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְעֹשֵׂ֤י11 of 18

“it to the doers”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמְּלָאכָה֙12 of 18

“of the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

אֲשֶׁר֙13 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הַבָּֽיִת׃14 of 18

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְחַזֵּ֖ק16 of 18

“to repair”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בֶּ֥דֶק17 of 18

“the breaches”

H919

a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)

הַבָּֽיִת׃18 of 18

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 22:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 12:11-142 Kings 12:52 Chronicles 24:27Ezra 3:72 Chronicles 24:72 Chronicles 24:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 22 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes